Our protagonist is an aspiring writer, not amounting to much - a 'bum'. His girlfriend leaves him - 'This is hardly a surprise' she tells him. He takes a pill and his productivity improves drastically - he cleans him self up, dresses well, learns Italian, finds a successful path to make money. Meeting his girlfriend again, he is honest in how he previously acted. She is impressed, and all over him.

We can be aware this is a work of fiction, but I feel the message is one which plays true in life.